Okay, that’s not what Sister Dorothy Marie taught me about American democracy in eighth-grade civics. In fact, I have recently come to the sad realization that my rosy view of our country’s beginnings, developed through mandatory study of history and civics from elementary school through college (for which I am most grateful), created an unrealistic reverence for our country’s birth as the world’s first perfect democracy.
Read MoreI’m from the “old school,” convinced through my history and civics education that our nation was, from Day One, a shining, perfect example of pure democracy. I’ve always revered our U.S. Constitution as flawless, ingenious, and impeccable. I think now, after some study, I’ve become a civics grown-up.
Read MoreMy first opportunity to serve as project manager for the production of a video!
Read MoreA rumor begins to spread: A local elected official holding public office might be ineligible to serve due to residency requirements! Maybe it’s an alder who doesn’t live in her district or a school board member who doesn’t live within the boundaries of the school district. How should citizens proceed?
Read MoreIt’s spring. You’re probably one of those people who love to go out and prepare the soil, buy the plants for flower and vegetable gardens, and pull the weeds already rearing their heads. You love that stuff, right? Good for you; I don’t. I spend as little time tending to my yard and flower beds as is legally possible. That said, I’ve got some “weeds” I’d like to tend to this spring. Will you join me?
Read More(Note from Lynn: I asked my smart friend, Judy Nagel, retired Wells Fargo Financial Advisor and active member of Rotary International, to share with us her perspective on a proposed amendment to the Constitution regarding needed campaign finance reform. And so we ask you to consider: Is it free $peech?)
Yes, you read that correctly: I want to know whether money is part of free speech, because the United States Supreme Court said it is. Remember Citizens United in 2010, when the Court ruled that restricting political spending by corporations and unions is inconsistent with the First Amendment? Money talks, I guess, and we’re not allowed to silence it.
Read MoreRecently I spent a good bit of time preparing to address the City of Green Bay Finance Committee: It would be my second plea to them to please make our local property tax bill transparent by noting, not just how much tax money goes to the Green Bay Area Public Schools, but also how much of that money is immediately diverted away from our public schools to fund tuition vouchers for children to attend 12 local private schools. I listened – and then I chose not to speak. The ensuing discussion suggested to me that perhaps I should have spoken up. Here’s what I would have said…
Read MoreIda Mae Fuller. Ever hear of her? Probably not. In January 1940, she received a check for $22.54. It was the first-ever U.S. Social Security check issued. I suppose, back in 1940, that little check provided a lot more to Ida than it would to you or me in 2025. We’ve come a long way since 1940 – even a longer way since 1925. But our progress is now in jeopardy.
Read MoreIt was my privilege to be asked to speak at the local Hands Off rally about the potential closure of the Department of Education and the effect it will have on our local public schools. Here is a transcript of the speech I presented at Leicht Park for 1500 very peaceful, respectful demonstrators, led by the inimitable Wanda Truttman Sieber.
Read MoreHaving lived a long life from the days of “We like Ike” through the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement and the Watergate crisis, the election of our first Black president, the real possibility of electing a woman to the White House, and the chaos and uncertainty of 2025, I’ve seen a lot. And I’m nervous. If you are a regular visitor to the Speakeasy, you know I turn to books when I’m confused or worried, and I share my learning here.
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